Why do the citizens of Omelas have to be made aware of the
existence of the child in the basement?
The citizens of Omelas must be made aware of the existence of the child in the basement in order for them to understand the true source of their happiness and the foundation of their utopian society. The child who is hidden away and suffering, serves as the sacrificial lamb upon which their perfect life survives. Initially the children or adult who see the child are repulsed and saddened by the sight of the child. The citizens gradually come to realize the necessity of this child’s suffering is needed for their own comfort and joy. Only by acknowledging the existence of the child can the citizens fully comprehend the moral complexities of their situation and make informed choices about the kind of society they wish to inhabit. I think also that they realize how one child being in complete misery is less of sacrifice then there whole fantasy world to be destroyed.
How does the narrator invite the audience to imagine Omelas? Why
does the narrator want the audience to co-create this utopia?
The narrator invites the audience to envision Omelas as a joyous, perfect, and overall utopian world where no wrong can happen. The friendships and relationships that people have are filled with happiness. The narrator portrays the people of Omelas as a society that can do no wrong and are “goody goody.” I feel that the narrator wants to create this illusion not only to hide the child who is maltreated in the basement but also to maintain the facade of this fake utopia world. I think it’s also to show the audience that many seemingly perfect worlds aren’t actually perfect and can be flawed. Additionally, I believe it serves to introduce a plot twist, revealing how this utopian world also has a dark side.
I wonder if Omelas would be considered a Utopian Society. We as the reader know it’s flaws. So does that take away it’s title? I’m not sure.